Its been a while (actually a few weeks since my last update).
This scenario has undergone a few big changes, mainly in terms of motive power on some of the trains that will appear in this scenario. As well as a couple of AI trains added into the activity.
Originally I was going to have a GCR O4 2-8-0 and a LYR Class 5 2-4-2T appear at the start of the scenario. But I have decided to replace them with 2 different locomotives. The Radial Tank has been replaced with an LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 (going in the direction of Altrincham) and the O4 2-8-0 replaced with an LMS Crab 2-6-0. I wanted to add a little bit of Midland Region motive power into this activity.
Miserable weather in industrial Manchester
Waiting to depart
Got more crabs?
I have also started to add some electric traction into this activity. This includes a train of mineral wagon empties on the goods line just past Valehouse Signal-box. This is made up of assorted wagons such as the recently released Meshtools Mineral Wagons (Available for £2.99 from Steam). So instead of mainly 16T Wagons, we have those, 21.5T Wagons and 24T Wagons. This combined with the book 'EM1 & EM2: An Illustrated Historical Review of the Manchester, Sheffield, Wath Electric Locomotive - 76's & 77's' have allowed me to attempt to recreate formations of freight trains during this period.
Thanks for the brilliant wagons Meshtools.
There is still a lot more to be done, this is just me pointing out that I am still working on this scenario. The 1970's Woodhead Route Scenario is currently in development hell (I think that's what its called), but I shall return to it in the near future.
But for this scenario, the AI stock needs to be completed and final tests need to be done (Unless Payday 2, Duke Nukem 3D and Chivalry get in the way)
Til next time, catch y'all later.
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I need a better sign off line, this one sounds cheesy as hell.
After a few weeks away from Train Simulator, Its time to work on a new scenario for this simulator (or game if you want to call it that).
So i've returned to The Woodhead Route to look at more possibilities for scenarios. But ultimately not 1 but 2 ideas for scenarios were thought up. Both were inspired by 2 books which I will note in this blog post so that you might want to look up what I came up with.
The Merry-Go-Round passes Dinting
The first scenario is set in the 1970's and features you taking an empty Merry-Go-Round Train to Wath Yard from Godley Junction. The motive power of course is 2 Class 76's and you will be hauling 30 wagons behind you. Its rare to find a Woodhead Route Scenario set in the days of Railblue (Even more difficult thanks to the recent demise of IHH)
Long train is long
Inspiration for this scenario came in the shape of a book called: 'Woodhead: Countdown to Closure' by Graham R. Jelly (Thats his name, honestly) This book provides images of The Woodhead Route which would prove very useful for both modellers and Train Simulator.
My failed attempt at recreating the cover of: Cinerail Archive Series Vol.1 - The Woodhead Route
Work has been slow on this one, mainly due to the fact that work on the other scenario for this route has just started. This next scenario uses a great piece of source material.
Taking you back to the past
Set in the VERY early days of electric workings on The Woodhead Route (1954 to be exact). Your task in this scenario is to take an Express as far as Penistone using an EM1 (Later Class 76). Before you ask, why to Penistone? I have my reasons for this curious location to end this scenario.
Its looks a little too nice at Penistone
When I went to the Keighley Model Railway Exhibition at Victoria Hall in Keighley, I recently got my hands on the book 'EM1 & EM2: An Illustrated Historical Review of the Manchester, Sheffield, Wath Electric Locomotives-76s & 77s' by John Hooper. I read that between June 14th 1954 and September 20th 1954, Woodhead Electric Passenger Services from Manchester to Sheffield saw a locomotive change to Steam Power at Penistone. So I thought, why not make it a subject of a Train Simulator Scenario. I decided that the weather looked too bright and cheerful for this activity, so I made it miserable by using one of the weather effects that came with the route.
Much better.
I've started adding AI stock to this one so expect another update sometime in the future. All books mentioned are avaliable either at a railway bookshop or the internet. Til next time, catch y'all later.
After a month or so of delays, I've finally gotten round to finishing a releasing this scenario for you all to play in your spare time.
The premise if simple:
A Black Five 4-6-0 has been struggling with a boat train. A pilot engine in the shape of an LMS Compound 4-4-0 has been attached at Dumfries for the rest of the trip down to Carlisle. Things could only get better...Right?
Stock required.
Payware
Digital Traction LMS Compound 4-4-0
Digital Traction MR 3F 0-6-0
RSC LMS 8F 2-8-0
RSC Western Lines of Scotland
Digital Traction/Armstrong Powerhouse MK1 Coaches
Digital Traction Wagon Pack
Making Tracks LMS P3 Coaches
Digital Traction LMS 2P 4-4-0
Sadly, I haven't been working on the Scenario with the Compound. This was due to quite a number of reasons:
2 trains passing near Racks.
The first being work experience (hopefully, I'll get into full employment this year)
Secondly, I recently got Payday 2 gifted to me during the Steam Sale. Its a fantastic game to play (make sure you have Skype and 3 friends to play with)
Finally, I moved the computer to my room. This will allow my Family to enjoy watching the television in peace.
But there has been some progress, notably with a change of rolling stock. The DT/AP BR MK1's being replaced with Making Tracks/Matrix Trains great LMS Period 3 Coaches.
Blood and Custard LMS P3 Coaches replace the BR MK1's. In with the old, out with the new.
I noticed that when you move seats in the Period 3's, the camera goes to track level. Error or something else, you decide. But overall, these a great coaches that go well with steam era routes. If you want to try them before buying, there's a free FK coach on UKTrainSim you can download.
Look, I'm a Diglett!!!!!!!
After minor tests with AI Stock, all that's needed is the static stock adding (Kingmoor Yard didn't exist during the period this scenario is set in, makes my life easier). I'll try to get this done this month, but that's if nothing gets in my way.
Since TS2014 was released, I've been mainly been taking a break from Train Simulator to play a couple of other games (Grand Theft Auto 5 and Pokemon Y). Now I've decided to return to Train Simulator to do a few more scenarios. Beginning with this one set on The Western Lines of Scotland.
When in doubt, get a Compound.
The story of this scenario is simple. An LMS Black Five has been struggling with a boat train from Stranrear. So at Dumfries it is decided to add a pilot engine to the train, the pilot being an LMS Compound 4-4-0. The Compound is available from Digital Traction whilst the route is available from Steam.
Setting it all up.
This scenario might sound simple, but I've decided to add a little obstacle to the proceedings. This in the shape of a slow moving coal train with a WD 2-10-0 (a freeware model from UKTrainSim) at the head. This will be a minor obstacle between Eastriggs and Gretna where it will be put into a loop to let you through.
Thanks for slowing me down.................idiot.
All that's needed to be done is the adding of AI trains, testing of the scenario and the rolling stock in the sidings, then it shall be released for you lot to enjoy (thats if the snow does'nt get you all first)
Making sure that the train does not sneak off with the coal.
Lemme freeze my nuts off and shunt a train together.
After a month of Binding of Isaac and a week in which the battery on the motherboard died, One Last Job is now avaliable to download from UKTrainSim.
Why would you stand in the middle of a blizzare waiting for a train?
Synopsis
The premise is that you are to prepare a freight train at Radstock and take it to Bath Green Park. Once you've arrived at Bath, you need to drop the wagons off and put the engine to bed.
When you are too close to lights then you might not live long.
Additional Stock:
Payware
Meshtools 3F Jinty 0-6-0T
Digital Traction Western Region 4MT 4-6-0
DT MK1 Coaches
We've moved into Autumn now and work on the scenario has sped up a little bit.
The first major update is that the scenario ending has been changed. You now have to deposit the wagons in a siding before heading to Bath Shed. This meant changing the end destination and adding a few more instructions to the task list.
"Thomas was heading home after a long days shunting"
The second update is that with that i decided that the brake force from the original consist wasn't sufficient enough in my POV. So i added a couple of fitted open wagons to the train. This has meant that i have had to rearrange the task list so that the open wagons are first and the mineral wagons are second.
Remember, this is for your own good
The next major update is that after doing some thinking, I've decided to add some western region flavor to the route. This is due to the fact that the SDJR (Bath to Templecombe section) entered Western Region ownership in 1958. So its a good idea to have WR rolling stock on the route. So I've replaced the Black 4MT 4-6-0 with a Green 4MT 4-6-0 (both payware from Digital Traction)
When I said go green, I don't mean get a new pain job.
I've also added a Bristol bound passenger service, this is hauled by a GWR 2251 0-6-0 (a good model created by Kevmt which is available from UKTrainSim)
The test performed has been successful so the next step is to get the static stock added and create the preview video to put on Youtube. This will all be completed by the end of the week, thats if Binding of Isaac gets in the way again.
After spending the summer playing on Chivalry: Medieval Warfare and The Binding of Isaac. Train Simulator has started to feel neglected on my desktop, so i decided to create a scenario featuring something I bought during The Summer Sale (always good if you want to pick up a bargain). It was also to look into the TSX mode a little bit more.
But enough of the talking, its best to do something and so a shunting scenario was cooked up. The activity is set on The SDJR and features Meshtools most recent release: The LMS 3F 0-6-0T.
JINTEH!!!!!
This expansion pack is really good. Its got a great selection of liveries and wagons to play with, if you want to play the scenarios then you have to get The Western Lines of Scotland Expansion. This in a way allows you to drive the 3F without spending much on a new route (unless its the Winter/Spring/Winter Sale). The task is a simple one, you have to arrange a freight at Radstock and take it to Bath. The main obstacle being the snow and the fact its PITCH BLACK OUTSIDE.
Well.................good luck with that.
The darkness in the scenario is a huge obstacle, when I was doing a scenario on The Woodhead Route I could not see a damn thing. But I could see what I was doing in the cab. This time, the only light you have is from the firebox.
Light and heat rolled into one.
Work is still going on with this scenario but if I can knuckle down, I could get this done by the end of the week. It requires only a few tweeks and AI traffic but that should be done easily.
With Train Simulator 2013 working great on the new computer (and after a few hour mucking about on Grand Theft Auto 4), its time to return to the world of Scenario Creation with a new one for The Newcastle to York route. Set during the late 50's when Freight Traffic was intertwined with the occasion Express and Stopping Service, this is a good oppotunity to create a scenario for the route involving steam.
The main task is to take a Freight Service to York from Darlington. Your main motive power is an icon of freight traffic on the Eastern Region, the GCR O4 2-8-0. The number and shed-code are only temporary so they will change when the polishing off process begins.
The GCR O4 2-8-0: The standard in Eastern Region Freight Designs.
I've managed to so far use a current selection of rolling stock to try and recreate workings on the ECML. I've used A3 4-6-2, A4 4-6-2, B1 4-6-0, O4 2-8-0 and WD 2-8-0, All bar the WD and A3 being Payware. For Rolling Stock, I've used so far LNER Teaks, BR MK 1's and a selection of wagons.
A WD Austerity 2-8-0, this will be taking a train of empties towards Ferryhill
A steam era eastern region scenario isn't complete without an LNER A4 4-6-2 hauling an express.
This is essentially a test of the TSX mode that i've turned on for when i play on Train Simulator, the images display what i've been missing over the past few years when i was playing this on my laptop. I plan on getting this done by next Wednesday depending on what happens over the next few day, i plan on completing the AI by Friday night and testing it tomorrow.
2 Class 20's trundle over Dinting Viaduct with a train bound for Wath Yard.
After work on this scenario was put on hold due to other commitments such as University, League 2 Playoffs and a holiday to Belfast. The Type 1 Replacement has finally been finished and is now available to download from UKTrainSim and Mediafire. The Scenario takes place on The Woodhead Route towards the end of the lines working life, which means that the main locomotive livery will be BR Rail Blue. It involves you taking a train of Flatbed Wagons from Guide Bridge, Your Locomotives will be 2 Class 20's. Underneath this description is a list of rolling stock required for you to fully enjoy this scenario.
Heading under the Peninnes, we pass a typical MGR train bound for Mottram Yard.
Stock Required
Payware
Train Simulator 2013: The Woodhead Route
IHH Woodhead DC Electrics
IHH Bonus Content 1
Just Trains Class 20 Collection
DT Wagon Pack 1
The train heads towards Barnsley Junction, with a Class 76 hauled freight train bound for Trafford Park.
The scenario's development was more or less done within a month, but several things happening in my life appeared so this was put on the back-burner. I finally had time to record the video for the scenario (which is on the top of this page) yesterday and it looks to have turned out really good.
On the approach to Wath Yard, we see 2 pairs of Class 20's. Note the different headcodes on the 2 diesels.
Here is the links to both download pages. Just download and enjoy the activity.
Well I've decided that whilst UKTrainSim is a good way of distributing my scenario's to the public, I've decided to also to cater to non UKTrainSim users. So after a few minutes contemplating this idea whilst waiting to purchase my Playoff Final Ticket (up the Bantams). I've decided to use Mediafire to distribute my scenarios.
Now before you say "why use something else when you are using a tried and tested system". Well if you all think about it, you have to queue in order to download the files you are seeking. If you want to avoid that then you'd have to pay a subscription, which is slightly annoying to someone who wants to get something downloaded before they go to work /uni /holiday /other things. So, i've decided to use something that can be accessed rather easily.
To those on UKTrainSim, don't worry i'm not leaving you. This is just an experiment that i'm conducting in order to see if i can catch non UKTrainSim users.
The scenario I transferred was "The Dodworth Connection" and it can be found at the following link
Link to download: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7cholxcdpup9m9p
Download it, Try it, Enjoy it. If not, send me an pm on Youtube or on UKTrainSim.
Well its time for another update on the progress of my new scenario.
The first thing i decided to do is to add a couple more AI trains to the scenario. So I decided to add a mixed freight (class 76 hauled), A Steel Train (Again hauled and banked by a Class 76) and a Light Engine Movement (2 Class 20's). These were added between Penistone and Wath, allowing you to enjoy the Woodhead Line in the years before British Railways figuratively took it off the Life Support machine.
Class 76 no 76054 (formally named Pluto) is seen at Wath with a train for Trafford Park.
The train will be helped by this Banking Engine.
Heavy Metal Thunder
2 Class 20's on Light Engine Movement
Testing of the Scenario was ok...............Right up to the point where I spotted a major problem. 2 trains decided to deviate from their planned route with a Merry-Go-Round Train going to Torside then head back down to Woodhead and then back up to Hadfield. The other train was the steel train which backed into Wath yard and then continued on its route (see figure A).
Figure A: The Steel Train is deviating from its planned route
This resulted in a head-scratching moment for me, but eventually I discovered the solutions for both problems. For the Merry-Go-Round Train, I simply added a few more points in the trains instructions. As for the Steel Train (See Figure B), I discovered that the only person to blame for the problem was myself. I had put the train on the WRONG running line, I simply had to move the train to the right track to solve the problem.
Figure B: The Steel Train is on the correct route after the author discovered that he is a nitwit.
With that minor mishap solved, I plan on doing yet ANOTHER test to see if it all works out. Hopefully Its all working fine, because i want to get the static stock added ASAP before I release it on UKTrainSim.
On a nice note, Happy St Patricks Day everyone. Have a lovely day.
Work started last week on the new scenario, and yet again it will take place on The Woodhead Route (In my opinion, one of the best Train Simulator routes from last year). Now whilst the scenario will feature the famous Class 76's (In Rail Blue), you won't be driving one or either a pair of Class 76's. The much recognized DC electrics will be mainly their for AI or scenery purposes, either on Mixed Freights, Coal Trains, Merry-Go-Round Trains or Light Engine movements.
A Pair of Class 76's
Remember, go this way. Not that way.
More Oil for your needs?
Another thing for the AI Stock is that I've decided to use the newly released ZJV Ballast Wagons. these were only released today and were a late addition to the scenario. The locomotive that will haul them will be a Class 25 (originally a Digital Traction freeware model but now available from the UKTrainSim freeware pack). This would mainly highlight the fact that at Penistone, there is a Permanent Way yard near the station. Also this would showcase the new ZJV Wagons that were released by malkymackay on UKTrainSim.
A Class 25 with a train of Ballast Wagons
So the next question is........what will the player be driving?
Well another locomotive I've been interested in is the Class 20, they are such a weird looking locomotive class. Mainly because front is back and they look like a Class 08 Shunter that's been through the wringer. Either way, the player will be using 2 in the usual formation (Thats long bonnet end to long bonnet end). I've also never got the inspiration to make a scenario featuring them, so this a great opportunity for me to use them. The Class 20's are a Payware add on available from Just Trains either as a Download or CD version.
The standard formation of the Class 20
The train will be made up of multiple flatbed wagons, all of them developed by malkymackay and are available from UKTrainSim (A Huge thanks to malkymackay for making them available to the community). The reason why I've gone for a train of Flatbeds is mainly because the county of South Yorkshire (Mainly Rotherham and Sheffield areas) are usually associated with Steelworks. the Brake Van is a Digital Traction freeware model.
Thats a lot of flat beds you got there?
The journey will take you along the usual Woodhead line from Guide Bridge up to Barnsley Junction where you will heading along the Wath branch to Wath yard. This means you will be heading down the Worsborough Incline (which has a gradient of 1-40). This would involve a lot of breaking otherwise you'll end up rolling faster than a fat guy rolling down a hill towards a takeaway (sorry for the awful joke)
Hopefully by Wednesday, the AI traffic between Guide Bridge and Penistone should be fully operational. After that its on to the traffic on the Worsborough Incline before the static stock will be added.
